NEW DELHI: National Security Adviser Ajit Doval chaired the Delhi Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan here on Wednesday. The meeting was attended by Doval’s counterparts from five Central Asian countries, along with Russia and Iran.
National Security Advisers and Secretaries of Security Councils of Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan took part in the dialogue.
India hosted the dialogue to firm up a common approach for practical cooperation in confronting increasing threats of terrorism, radicalisation and drug trafficking following the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul.

Afghan representatives were not invited, while Pakistan and China declined to attend the meet, with Pakistan’s National Security Adviser Moeed Yusuf last week calling India a “spoiler” and not a “peacemaker” in Afghanistan.
Here’s what the leaders said:
*”The recent developments in Afghanistan have important implications not only for the people of that country but also for its neighbours and the region,” NSA Ajit Doval said at the eight-nation dialogue.
*Chairing the meet, Doval in his opening remarks said it is time to have close consultations, greater cooperation and coordination among the regional countries on the Afghan situation.
*NSA Doval also said, “We all have been keenly watching developments in Afghanistan.” He said developments in Afghanistan have important implications not only for people of that country but also for its neighbours.
*”We are concerned about prevailing situation in Afghanistan. The social and economic situation of the Afghans is deteriorating and the country is facing humanitarian crisis. necessary to increase humanitarian assistance,” said Karim Massimov, Chairman, Kazakhstan National Security Committee.
*Ajit Doval said he is confident “our deliberations will contribute to help Afghan people and enhance our collective security”.
*Doval added that this is a time for close consultations, greater cooperation and coordination amongst the nations on Afghanistan.

*Nasrullo Rahmatjon Mahmudzoda, Secretary, Security Council of Tajikistan, said “As we have a long border with Afghanistan, the current situation creates extra risk and possibilities for drug trafficking, terrorism. The situation on Tajik-Afghan borders remains complicated.”
*Mahmudzoda also said, “We, as the neighbouring country are ready to participate in all programs that can help the people of Afghanistan.”
*Rear Admiral Ali Shamkhani, Secertary, National Security Council, Iran, said: “There’s crisis of migration, refugees in Afghanistan and the solution can come with the formation of an inclusive government, and participation of all ethnic groups. Hoping to come up with a mechanism to resolve it.”
*Shamkhani said it s unfortunate that today, Afghanistan is involved in terrorism, poverty and misery.
*Marat M Imankulov, Secretary of Security Council of Kyrgyzstan, said it is a very difficult situation in our region and all over the world. Talking about “terrorist organisations in Afghanistan”, he said, “With joint efforts, help should be extended to the Afghans.”
*Nikolai Patrushev, Secretary of the Security Council of Russia, at the meet on Wednesday said: “Multilateral meetings help in discussing issues linked to development situation in Afghanistan, counter challenges, threat emanating from the country, and establish long lasting peace.”
*”To restore peace in Afghanistan and in the region altogether, we have to find a collective solution. It is possible only through joint efforts,” Victor Makhmudov, Secretary of Security Council of Uzbekistan, said at the dialogue hosted by India.
*”This meeting gives us the opportunity to find out a solution to resolve current issues in Afghanistan, and establish peace in the region,” Charymyrat Amanov, Secretary, Security Council of Turkmenistan said at the NSA-level meet on Afghanistan.
*Stability issue of Afghanistan demands efforts of whole international community, Karim Massimov, Chairman, Kazakhstan National Security Committee, said, adding that it is highly important to begin taking concrete actions.
(With inputs from agencies)